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MANAGING HAY FEEDING TO BUILD SOIL FERTILITY

Applied Research

Brian Haller
CEA-STAFF CHAIR
University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service
SEARCY

Abstract

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\r\n Feeding hay is a common practice on any beef cattle operation.  The obvious benefits of feeding hay is providing nutrients and supplement for beef cattle during times of minimum or no forage growth.  Two demonstrations were conducted over a 2 year period to examine the effects of spreading hay feeding evenly over a field on soil fertility.  A majority of producers tend to feed hay in one area year after year.  Over time high levels of phosphorus and potassium build up in the soil.  Soil samples were pulled in the designated hay feeding area before hay feeding began and again in the spring when hay feeding was over.  Records were kept on the number of bales fed and any supplemental feed fed in the demonstration field.  Based on the data collected from the demonstration the amount of nutrients applied to the field from the hay can be calculated and then compared to the change in soil fertility.   The average nutrient content of a 4’ x 5’ round bale of bermuda hay is 16 lbs N, 5 lbs P2O5 & 18 lbs K2O.  Using current commercial fertilizer prices a bale has a fertility value of $22.16.  In year 1 soil phosphorus increased by 22 lbs./A and potassium increased by 172 lbs./A.  Year 2 data had a 22 lbs./A increase in soil phosphorus and 148 lbs./A increase in potassium.  Managing hay feeding is a beneficial way to recycle nutrients to build soil fertility.

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Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC

This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.

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Authors: B. W. Haller, J. A. Jennings, K. J. Simon
  1. Haller, B. County Extension Agent - Staff Chair, University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, Arkansas, 72143
  2. Jennings, J. Professor - Forages, University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, Arkansas, 72143
  3. Simon, K. Program Associate, University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture, Arkansas, 72204